In the wake of the mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks late Wednesday night during a “College Country Night” promotion, nearby colleges took measures to comfort their stunned, grieving campus communities.

Twelve people were killed after a gunman — identified by authorities as 28-year-old Ian David Long, who also died at the scene — opened fire on a crowd at the bar, sending hundreds fleeing in terror.

California Lutheran University — not quite four miles away from the bar — canceled all classes Thursday and Friday, according to a 2:06 p.m. announcement. Some of its students were at the bar during the attack, according to university spokeswoman Karin Grennan, but the number was unknown.

Mourners hold hands outside CLU’s Samuelson Chapel Thursday morning as students, faculty and community members gather for a prayer service in remembrance of the victims of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting. Thirteen people including the gunman were killed in the shooting at the popular Thousand Oaks bar Wednesday night.(photo by Andy Holzman)

Students embrace outside CLU’s Samuelson Chapel Thursday morning as students, faculty and community members gather for a prayer service in remembrance of the victims of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting. Thirteen people including the gunman were killed in the shooting at the popular Thousand Oaks bar Wednesday night.(photo by Andy Holzman)

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Students gather at CLU’s Samuelson Chapel Thursday morning for a prayer service in remembrance of the victims of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting. Thirteen people including the gunman were killed in the shooting at the popular Thousand Oaks bar Wednesday night.(photo by Andy Holzman)

Classes were canceled at Cal Lutheran Thursday morning as news of the Borderline Bar and Grill shootings spread. Thirteen people including the gunman were killed in the shooting at the popular Thousand Oaks bar Wednesday night.(photo by Andy Holzman)

Ally Hatter is consoled outside CLU’s Samuelson Chapel Thursday morning as students, faculty and community members gather for a prayer service in remembrance of the victims of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting. Thirteen people including the gunman were killed in the shooting at the popular Thousand Oaks bar Wednesday night.(photo by Andy Holzman)

“Our focus remains on the needs of the Cal Lutheran community,” said a statement issued by the campus.

The school canceled upcoming performance of “Columbinus,” a play focusing on the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, during which students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a teacher in Jefferson County, Colorado.

All Cal Lutheran campuses and offices would be open Thursday and Friday, according to the statement. That included the Samuelson Chapel and other resources, including counseling and psychological services, the CARE Team, all Student Affairs staff and Campus Ministry, according to an earlier statement.

In addition, the university was set to host an American Red Cross blood drive Saturday, with details yet to be released.

Among the dead was recent Cal Lutheran graduate Justin Meek, 23, according to an 11:13 a.m. university announcement. Meek identified himself on social media as a promoter for the bar.

In light of the tragic events that occurred last night in Thousand Oaks, classes have been canceled today. University offices remain open. Visit our emergency page for more resources and updates at https://t.co/lXis049Ii9

Pepperdine University in Malibu — which has confirmed that 16 of its students were at the bar at the time of the shooting — did not cancel classes but left it to students to decide if they wanted to attend.

“Pepperdine University plans to continue with the routine of our normal class schedule to provide structure and community for our students,” according to an 8:11 a.m. statement. “We acknowledge that there is nothing routine about today and encourage students to use their discretion about attending class and prioritizing their health and well-being.”

Pepperdine student Ben Huyard writes a message to victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting before a prayer service at Smothers Theater in Malibu, CA, on Thursday, Nov 8, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pepperdine held a prayer service for the campus community at noon at its Smothers Theatre for students and school employees.

University officials are continuing to monitor developments following last night's shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. Visit Pepperdine's Emergency Information Page for the latest information: https://t.co/UQAxGoVxZz

In addition, the campus Counseling Center remained available to students by calling 310-506-4210 or emailing student.counseling.center@pepperdine.edu. Faculty and staff could access counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program available on the HR website or by calling 310-506-4397.

Pepperdine freshman Alaina Housley, the niece of former Fox News correspondent Adam Housley and actress Tamera Mowry-Housley, was killed in the attack, family members confirmed Thursday.

“Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner,” said a statement released to various media outlets. “We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”

In a tweet, Adam Housley described Alaina Housley as “a beautiful soul.”

Pepperdine senior Kyra Skievaski, 21, said college night was supposed to be a fun tradition. “They were mostly freshman, it was their first year, and they just wanted to experience college. It has to happen so early on in their college experience.”

“We are still in shock,” said Lillian Lee, 21, another senior.

Two Pepperdine students were treated and released from a local hospital, according to a statement, but their names were not released.

At least five students from Cal State Channel Islands in nearby Camarillo were at the bar at the time of the shooting, said campus President Erika Beck in a statement. All five made it back to campus safely, she said in the statement.

“Our hearts are broken and we extend our deepest condolences to all of the victims, their families, friends and, indeed, our entire community,” Beck said in the statement. “As we process this tragedy, I ask that we all come together and find solace in supporting one another as we seek hope and light from the depths of our sadness.”

The Channel Islands campus did not cancel classes Thursday but encouraged students to reach out to campus Counseling and Psychological Services for support by calling 805-437-2088. Support outside of direct counseling is available at the Dean of Students office, 805-437-8512.

However, the school was forced to shut down classes scheduled for Friday, because of poor air quality fueled by the swift-moving Hill Fire.

Updates will be provided on the University’s emergency information hotline at 805-437-3911 or by visiting the website at www.csuci.edu.

The two nearby community colleges — Oxnard and Ventura colleges — announced they would remain open Thursday and that campus health centers have resources available for anyone impacted by the shooting.

Christopher Yee is a reporter for the Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune covering cities in the west and central parts of the San Gabriel Valley. He grew up in Monterey Park and studied journalism at East Los Angeles College and UC Berkeley. You may find him at Dodger Stadium or at the Staples Center for L.A. Kings games.